Indonesia and the United Nations Security Council, 2007-2008

8/6/2019 Indonesia and the United Nations Security Council, 2007-2008

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY REMARK

CHAPTER I: ASIA 1

1. AfghanistanStatement at 5641st meeting, Tuesday, 20 March 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5760th meeting, Monday, 15 October 2007, 10:20 a.m.Statement at 5851st meeting, Wednesday, 12 March 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5930th meeting, Wednesday, 9 July 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 5994th meeting, Tuesday, 14 October 2008, 10:15 a.m.

2. IraqStatement at 5639th meeting, Thursday, 15 March 2007, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 5693rd meeting, Wednesday, 13 June 2007, 3:30 p.m.Statement at 5710th meeting, Friday, 29 June 2007, 10:20 a.m.Statement at 5710th meeting, Friday, 29 June 2007, 10:20 a.m.Statement at 5763rd meeting, Friday, 19 October 2007, 10:25 a.m.Statement at 5823rd meeting, Monday, 21 January 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5878th meeting, Monday, 28 April 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5910th meeting, Friday, 13 June 2008, 10:40 a.m.Statement at 5949th meeting, Wednesday, 6 August 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6016th meeting, Friday, 14 November 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6060th meeting, Wednesday, 31 December 2008, 6:40 p.m.

3. MyanmarStatement at 5777th meeting, Tuesday, 13 November 2007, 3:00 p.m.

4. Middle EastStatement at 5629th meeting, Tuesday, 13 January 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5685th meeting, Wednesday, 30 May 2007, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 5824th meeting, Tuesday, 22 January 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5827th meeting, Wednesday, 30 January 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5859th meeting, Tuesday, 25 March 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5940th meeting, Tuesday, 22 July 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5984th meeting, Saturday, 27 September 2008, 4:00 p.m.Statement at 6031st meeting, Thursday, 4 December 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6046th meeting, Tuesday, 16 December 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 6049th meeting, Thursday, 18 December 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 6060th meeting, Wednesday, 31 December 2008, 6:40 p.m.

5. Timor LesteStatement at 5628th meeting, Monday, 12 February 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5843rd meeting, Thursday, 21 February 2008, 10:00 a.m.


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CHAPTER II: AFRICA

1. Peace and Security in AfricaStatement at 5649th meeting, Wednesday, 28 March 2007, 10 a.m.Statement at 5655th meeting, Wednesday, 10 April 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5677th meeting, Monday, 21 May 2007, 10:30 a.m.Statement at 5868th meeting, Wednesday, 16 April 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5924th meeting, Tuesday, 24 June 2008, 3:30 p.m.Statement at 5933rd meeting, Friday, 11 July 2008, 4:10 p.m.Statement at 6000th meeting, Thursday, 23 October 2008, 10:00 a.m.

2. BurundiStatement at 5786th meeting, Wednesday, 28 November 2007, 10:20 a.m.

3. CongoStatement at 6025th meeting, Wednesday, 26 November 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 6044th meeting, Monday, 15 December 2008, 10:00 a.m.

4. Cote dIvoireStatement at 5765th meeting, Monday, 22 October 2007, 10:20 a.m.

5. Guinea BissauStatement at 5988th meeting, Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 10:30 a.m.

6. Sierra LeoneStatement at 5690th meeting, Friday, 8 June 2007, 3:00 p.m.

7. SomaliaStatement at 5805th meeting, Monday, 17 December 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5902nd meeting, Monday, 2 June 2008, 3:15 p.m.Statement at 6020th meeting, Thursday, 20 November 2008, 10:30 a.m.Statement at 6027th meeting, 2 December 2008, 11:45 a.m.Statement at 6047th meeting, Wednesday, 17 December 2008, 10:00 a.m.

8. SudanStatement at 5784th meeting, Tuesday, 27 November 2007, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 5789th meeting, Wednesday, 5 December 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5832nd meeting, Friday, 8 February 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5922nd meeting, Tuesday, 24 June 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5947th meeting, Thursday, 31 July 2008, 9:40 p.m.Statement at 5947th meeting, Thursday, 31 July 2008, 9:40 p.m.Statement at 6029th meeting, Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 6030th meeting, Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 5:10 p.m.


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CHAPTER III: EUROPE

1. Bosnia HerzegovinaStatement at 5673rd meeting, Thursday, 10 May 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5675th meeting, Wednesday, 16 May 2007, 10:00 a.m.

Statement at 5697th meeting, Monday, 18 June 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5796th meeting, Monday, 10 December 2007, 10:20 a.m.Statement at 5839th meeting, Monday, 18 February 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 5904th meeting, Wednesday, 4 June 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5917th meeting, Friday, 20 June 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5944th meeting, Friday, 25 July 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6026th meeting, Tuesday, 2 December 2008, 11:25 a.m.Statement at 6034th meeting, Tuesday, 9 December 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6042nd meeting, Friday, 12 December 2008, 3:40 p.m.

2. GeorgiaStatement at 5951st meeting, Friday, 8 August 2008, 1:15 a.m.Statement at 5952nd meeting, Friday, 8 August 2008, 4:20 p.m.Statement at 5953rd meeting, Sunday, 10 August 2008, 11:35 a.m.Statement at 5969th meeting, Thursday, 28 August 2008, 3:00 p.m.

CHAPTER IV: THE AMERICAS

1. CubaStatement at 5968th meeting, Wednesday, 27 August 2008, 10:25 a.m.

CHAPTER VI: OTHER ISSUES

1. Briefings by USG or Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the UNSCStatement at 5679th meeting, Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5779th meeting, Wednesday, 14 November 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5792nd meeting, Thursday, 6 December 2007, 10:40 a.m.Statement at 5886th meeting, Tuesday, 6 May 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6015th meeting, Wednesday, 12 November 2008, 10:00 a.m.

2. Children and armed conflictStatement at 5936th meeting, Thursday, 17 July 2008, 10:00 a.m.

3. Letters addressed to the President of the UNSCStatement at 5663

rdmeeting, Tuesday, 17 April 2007, 10:00 a.m.

Statement at 5938th meeting, Friday, 18 July 2008, 10:15 a.m.

4. Maintenance of international peace and securityStatement at 5692nd meeting, Tuesday, 20 February 2007, 11:00 a.m.Statement at 5776th meeting, Tuesday, 6 November 2007, 3:00 p.m.


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Statement at 5705th

meeting, Monday, 25 June 2008, 10:20 a.m.

Statement at 5979th

meeting, Tuesday, 23 September 2008, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 6017th meeting, Wednesday, 19 November 2008, 10:00 a.m.

5. Non-proliferationStatement at 5635

thmeeting, Friday, 23 February 2007, 10:00 a.m.

Statement at 5647th meeting, Saturday, 24 March 2007, 3:00 p.m.Statement at 5848th meeting, Monday, 3 March 2008, 12:45 p.m.

6. Post-conflict PeacebuildingStatement at 5627th meeting, Wednesday, 31 January 2007, 3:30 p.m.Statement at 5761st meeting, Wednesday, 17 October 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5895th meeting, Tuesday, 20 May 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5997th meeting, Tuesday, 21 October 2008, 10:00 a.m.

7. Protection of civilians in armed conflictStatement at 5703rd meeting, Friday, 22 June 2007, 10:00 a.m.

Statement at 5781st meeting, Tuesday, 20 November 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 5898th meeting, Tuesday, 27 May 2008, 10:00 a.m.

8. Security Council missionStatement at 5801st meeting, Thursday, 13 December 2007, 10:00 a.m.

9. Small armsStatement at 5881st meeting, Wednesday, 30 April 2008, 10:00 a.m.

10.Threats to International Peace and Security (caused by terrorist acts)Statement at 5615th meeting, Monday, 8 January 2007, 10:00 a.m.

Statement at 5855th

meeting, Wednesday, 19 March 2008, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6034th meeting, Tuesday, 9 December 2008, 3:00 p.m.

11.Women and peace and securityStatement at 5766th meeting, Tuesday, 23 October 2007, 10:00 a.m.Statement at 6005th meeting, Wednesday, 29 October 2008, 10:15 a.m.

Appendix Indonesian Delegation to the UN


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CHAPTER IASIA

1. Afghanistan

Statement at 5641st meeting, Tuesday, 20 March 2007, 10:00 a.m.(The situation in Afghanistan)

At the outset, I would like to express to you, Mr. President, mydelegations appreciation for convening this debate on the situation inAfghanistan. I should also like to welcome in our midst Mr. MassimoDAlema, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy.

We thank Mr. Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of theSecretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing. We also appreciatethe participation in this debate of Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, ExecutiveDirector of the United Nations Office onDrugs and Crime (UNODC),and we are grateful for his important presentation.

Afghanistan has been undergoing a steady transformation since itemerged from armed conflict. Progress has been visible in theeconomic and political spheres. The launch of the AfghanistanCompact and the successful holding of presidential elections inOctober 2004 marked major achievements in the country.

Yet, at this moment, optimism about peace, stability and economicdevelopment in Afghanistan seems to be seriously challenged by theincrease in the activities of insurgent forces in some parts of thecountry. My delegation is concerned about the harmful effects of thoseactivities on the Governments capacity to provide security and basicservices to the Afghan people and to ensure the enjoyment of theirfundamental freedoms and basic rights.

In that regard, we commend various initiatives proposed by theAfghan Government with a view to enhancing security in the country.However, we believe that all parties including the InternationalSecurity Assistance Force (ISAF) should continue to take allnecessary measures to prevent civilian casualties in their operations.

Considering the fact that, as indicated in the Secretary-Generalsreport (S/2007/152), the revitalization of the insurgency has also beencaused by adverse socio-political factors such as popular alienation,the monopolization of power and the marginalization of those outsidethe dominant social and political groups, we hold the view that civicmeasures that include reconciliation, participatory decision-makingand inclusive political processes are also of critical importance for theachievement of sustainable peace in the country.

My delegation also attaches great significance to the national unityprogrammes including at the village level that the AfghanGovernment is currently promoting. We hope that those programmescan help to promote national ownership through the participatorycontributions and inclusive involvement of all segments of Afghansociety.

My delegation welcomes the positive developments that thecountry has achieved in its economic sector. We hope that the declinein the inflation rate and the increase in development expenditures willpromote further economic progress. Afghanistans trade relations


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with key countries in the region, which amounted to more than $2.5billion in 2006, are also an encouraging achievement. We commendthe increase in Afghanistans economic cooperation with regionalpartners, and we believe that its enhancement will help to integratethe country into the regional dynamics and the global economy.

My delegation also underlines the significance of regional

initiatives in the political and security fields that include Afghanistan.Close cooperation with Pakistan is of particular importance, given thepresence of cross-border elements in the security of both countries.

With regard to border cooperation between Afghanistan andPakistan, my delegation sees some opportunities for both countries todevelop joint programmes along the border. On the basis of ourexperience in advancing border diplomacy with neighbouringcountries, the establishment of a jointly administered economic zoneand the joint development of traditional commerce involving localmerchants at the borders have proved viable.

My delegation welcomes the establishment of the TripartiteCommission, which involves a military component from Afghanistanand Pakistan, in addition to ISAF. We hold the view that similar

mechanisms aimed at promoting political dialogue should beconsidered.My delegation is also concerned about the difficulties that the

narco-economy has brought to the efforts of the people and theGovernment of Afghanistan to reconstruct their country. The 2007UNODC survey predicts that an increase in the main poppy-growingareas of the southern provinces could result in an overall increase inopium poppy cultivation in 2007.

We fully share the views of the Special Representative of theSecretary-General and the UNODC Executive Director as to theimportance of introducing alternative sustainable livelihoods to thecommunity as part of the overall efforts to decrease opium cultivation.The successful story of the Golden Triangle in South-East Asia couldbe taken as one lesson learned.

With regard to UNAMA, my delegation applauds the role that theMission has played in supporting the reconstruction of Afghanistan.We welcome UNAMAs intention to increase the number of itsprovincial offices. In our view, that step will help to build the capacityof local governments to provide basic services and promote goodgovernance.

UNAMAs contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan willremain pivotal in the future. Considering the magnitude of thechallenges that Afghanistan continues to face, my delegation supportsthe continuing role of UNAMA in assisting the Afghan people andGovernment in achieving their goals.

Statement at 5760th meeting, Monday, 15 October 2007, 10:20 a.m.(The situation in Afghanistan)

Allow me to join other speakers in expressing our appreciation tothe Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Tom Koenigs,for his briefing on the latest developments in Afghanistan.

Since the launch of the Bonn Agreement in 2001, peace andstability have been taking root in Afghanistan. Progress in the political


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and socio-economic sectors of the country has been notable.Nonetheless, violence threatens to disrupt those attainments. Suicidebombing and violent attacks are increasingly common in Afghanistan.The increase in violent attacks within the country in the past severalmonths, we understand, has undermined confidence in the future andprevented access by the Government and aid organizations to many

districts.My delegation believes that addressing the security challenges is amatter of urgency in order to prevent Afghanistan from sliding backinto conflict. In that regard, we recognize the importance of themeasures taken by the Afghan National Army, in collaboration withthe International Security Assistance Force, in responding to theinsurgency activities. We are also encouraged by the efforts toaugment the Afghan National Police.

While recognizing the significance of the effective integration of acivilian-military strategy within the security plan for Afghanistan,Indonesia attaches great importance to respect the protection ofcivilians and the principles of international human rights andhumanitarian laws whenever security operations are carried out in the

country.Indonesia also believes that the military approach cannot fullyaddress the root causes of the re-emergence of the insurgency. Wetherefore underline the importance of political dialogue andreconciliation involving all factions in Afghanistan. We look forwardto further progress in the implementation of the Action Plan on Peace,Reconciliation and Justice. We hold the view that it is important tohelp every single Afghan embrace a new Afghanistan. It is importantto find ways and means to prevent them from turning to militancy. Itis also important to include them in the political, social and economicprocesses at all levels.

Achieving a secure and stable Afghanistan becomes moredaunting with the continued presence of the narco-economy. Thesharp increase in opium production in 2007 has exacerbated thesecurity condition in Afghanistan. It poses a grave threat to bothreconstruction and nation-building in the country.

Since players in the narco-economy work across borders,cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours in counter-narcotics operations is very important. Accordingly, Indonesiawelcomes the signing of a trilateral agreement between Afghanistan,Iran and Pakistan in June 2007. Indonesia also believes that theinternational community should support the Afghan-led plan toaddress that problem, going beyond eradication efforts.

As Afghanistan is steadily embracing democracy, the need tostrengthen the institutional foundation of the democratic transition in

the country remains vital. Additional efforts must be exerted in orderto ensure that such institutions as the Anti-Corruption Commissionestablished by President Karzai deliver results.

The key to a robust democracy in Afghanistan is the adoption ofthe electoral law by the end of 2007. The adoption of such a law by theAfghan Government and the National Assembly will be instrumentalto the upcoming cycle of presidential elections in the country. Mydelegation underlines in that regard the importance of continuedsupport and assistance from the international community for the


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institutional strengthening and capacity-building of democraticinstitutions in Afghanistan.

A peaceful and stable environment is important to Afghanistan inorder for it to achieve internal sustainability. We welcome in thatregard Afghanistans commitment to contributing to regional securityand prosperity through concrete steps, including its accession to the

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, the Afghanistan-Pakistan peace jirga and the participation of President Karzai in thesummit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The inaugurationof a transit bridge between Afghanistan and Tajikistan in August 2007has both symbolic and substantive meaning.

The continued engagement of the international community withAfghanistan remains vital. Thus Indonesia welcomes the convening ofthe high-level meeting on Afghanistan in New York on 23 September2007. My delegation is hopeful that the reaffirmation of support bydelegations participating in the meeting will bring peace and stabilityto Afghanistan.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not say a few words on theUnited Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The

role of UNAMA becomes more important with the increasing numberof challenges to Afghan security and reconstruction efforts. As theMissions engagement has been reinforced by resolution 1746 (2007),there is in our view an urgent need for ensuring that UNAMA andother international actors engaged in Afghanistan have the mandateand resources needed to fulfil the required tasks and to move thecountrys development in a positive direction. My delegation wishesto reiterate its full support for UNAMA and its work in Afghanistan.

Statement at 5851st meeting, Wednesday, 12 March 2008, 10:00 a.m.(The situation in Afghanistan)

I wish to begin by expressing our appreciation to Mr. Guhenno,Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for presentingthe latest report of the Secretary-General on developments inAfghanistan (S/2008/159).

I would also like to congratulate Mr. Kai Eide on his appointmentas the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General forAfghanistan. My delegation also commends Mr. Tom Koenigs, whocompleted his assignment in December 2007, for his hard work andhis contribution to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

In the past few years, Afghanistan has made notable achievementsin various sectors. Representative political institutions have steadilybeen taking root, and economic development has been progressing. Yet,

my delegation is concerned over the increasing activities of theinsurgency, which are affecting those achievements in a harmful way.Most perturbing are the increase of concerted insurgency in the southand east of Afghanistan and attacks against local and humanitarianworkers. Those violent attacks risk undermining the current efforts bythe Afghan Government to achieve peace and stability in the country.The attacks have also prevented access by the Government and aidorganizations to some districts.

Indonesia welcomes the commitment of the Afghan Governmentto address the security challenges as a priority. We recognize the


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increasing need for capacity-building efforts for the Afghan NationalArmy. We acknowledge the importance of the measures taken by theAfghan National Army, in collaboration with the InternationalSecurity Assistance Force (ISAF), in responding to insurgencyactivities. My delegation also attaches great importance to respect forthe principles of international law, including international human

rights and humanitarian law, as well as the safety and security ofcivilians when security matters are addressed through militarymeasures.

Indonesia also believes that a military approach alone cannot fullyaddress the root causes of the current security challenges inAfghanistan. We therefore underline the importance of politicaldialogue and reconciliation involving all factions in Afghanistan,within the framework of the Afghan constitution. Like the Secretary-General, we too see the merit of a common approach to meet thesecurity challenges and to stabilize Afghanistan, an approach whichintegrates security, governance, rule of law, human rights and socialand economic development.

Addressing the drug economy is also an urgent matter, as it is

particularly linked to sustaining the insurgency. In this regard, wewelcome the fact that the counter-narcotics regime has gainedmomentum and that the prioritized implementation plan for theGovernments National Drug Control Strategy has been endorsed.

In the political area, we are aware of continued efforts toharmonize views between the legislative and executive branches ofthe Afghan Government. More specifically, the 2009 and 2010presidential and parliamentary elections will open a new chapter inAfghanistans democratic transition. We welcome, in that regard, theGovernments approval in November 2007 of a draft electoral law,which is being reviewed by the National Assembly. We also attachparticular importance to the participation of all Afghan politicalstakeholders in providing views on such critical issues as the electoralsystem.

Regional cooperation continues to be pertinent to thestrengthening of Afghanistans engagement in regional dynamics andof its capacity to address transnational challenges. Indonesia,therefore, welcomes the hosting by the Afghan Government of theseventeenth meeting of the Council of Ministers of the EconomicCooperation Organization in Herat. The Kabul Declaration onPromoting Regional Electricity Cooperation between Central andSouth Asia is a landmark achievement in Afghanistan's regionaldiplomacy. We also welcome bilateral partnerships betweenAfghanistan and neighbouring States in finding mutually acceptablesolutions to, among other issues, the challenge of Afghan refugees.

We believe that the United Nations Assistance Mission inAfghanistan (UNAMA) remains critical to Afghanistan. UNAMAssupport in achieving the countrys national goals will continue to beneeded. As the political elements of the Bonn process have beenformally completed, UNAMAs role will continue to be important inassisting Afghanistan to execute various activities on other pillars ofthe Bonn Agreement.

In this regard, we concur with the assessment of the Secretary-General on the importance of enhanced coordination, politicaloutreach, support for subnational governance, humanitarian


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coordination, electoral assistance and strengthened cooperation withISAF as points of emphasis for UNAMAs programme of work in themonths ahead.

Considering the continued importance of UNAMA in supportingthe Afghanistan Government in achieving its national goals and thedaunting challenges it continues to face, Indonesia supports the

Secretary-Generals proposal for the extension of the mandate ofUNAMA for a further 12 months.Finally, our appreciation goes to Mr. Bo Asplund, who served as

Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and to allUNAMA personnel for their dedication and tireless efforts in thedischarge of their important responsibilities.

Statement at 5930th meeting, Wednesday, 9 July 2008, 3:00 p.m.(The situation in Afghanistan)

Let me begin by joining previous speakers in thanking Mr. KaiEide, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan,

and Under-Secretary-General John Holmes for their respectivebriefings.My delegation warmly welcomes the presence of His Excellency

Mr. Rangin Ddfar Spant, Minister for Foreign Affairs ofAfghanistan, and of His Excellency Mr. Makhdoom Shah MehmoodQureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, at this debate. Wethank them for their very important statements.

Since the 2001 Bonn Agreement, Afghanistan has been regarded asan exemplary State arising from conflict. In a few years, it hasachieved notable progress in various sectors. But now, whatAfghanistan has accomplished is being greatly corroded by seriouschallenges to the countrys security and stability. Fear of sliding backto a conflict situation is increasing as the activities of militants growstronger. The most recent bomb attacks in Kabul reflect the urgentneed to address the security challenges.

Military measures remain critical in responding to the increasingattacks by militants. The role of the International Security AssistanceForce (ISAF) has been central in assisting the Afghan Government totackle the challenge. But military measures are not the onlyinstrument to achieve peace and stability. As the militants continue torely on asymmetric attacks, it becomes more difficult to adopt a full-scale military response.

The situation in Afghanistan must be dealt with through acomprehensive strategy that incorporates the pillars of security,governance and rule of law and socio-economic development.

Indonesia therefore attaches great importance to the AfghanistanNational Development Strategy, which serves as a road map forcomprehensive action over the next five years.

An Afghan-led reconciliation process will continue to be neededin order to achieve sustainable peace. All-inclusive reconciliationrequires all parties involved to renounce violence, respect justice,equality, freedom and tolerance and promote consultation.Addressing the drug economy also remains an urgent matter, as it isparticularly linked to sustaining the insurgency.


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The intensifying conflict in Afghanistan, exacerbated by naturaldisasters, has caused multiple humanitarian challenges, as describedby Under-Secretary-General Holmes. With regard to financing forhumanitarian assistance, there is an urgent need to allocate moreresources to meet the emergency requirements of millions ofvulnerable people. Mobilization of resources by the United Nations

and by non-United Nations humanitarian agencies is a commendableeffort.As attacks against humanitarian deliveries continue, the

protection of humanitarian actors and their work becomes critical.These attacks constitute a clear violation of international humanitarianlaw. My delegation strongly deplores such attacks, which not only jeopardize the lives of humanitarian workers but also could put theAfghan people in a more difficult situation.

Regional cooperation continues to be pertinent to thestrengthening of Afghanistans engagement in regional dynamics andits capacity to address transnational problems. Bilateral partnershipsbetween Afghanistan and neighbouring States in addressing thesecurity challenges and in finding mutually acceptable solutions to

humanitarian problems are also of paramount importance.My delegation also attaches primary importance to the ParisConference on Afghanistan, held on 12 June 2008, which not onlyresulted in $20 billion in pledges but also reaffirmed the AfghanistanCompact and supported the Afghanistan National DevelopmentStrategy. We are hopeful that disbursement of the pledges will beexpeditious and that implementation will be effective and efficient.

In the current situation in Afghanistan, the role and contributionof the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)becomes more crucial than ever. Its good-offices support, as mandatedby Council resolution 1806 (2008), in the implementation of Afghan-led reconciliation programmes remains pertinent. UNAMAsassistance to the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission inensuring free and fair elections in 2009 and 2010 will be instrumentalin the consolidation of democracy in Afghanistan.

Finally, Indonesia wishes to reaffirm its full support for UNAMAand its work, and for its contribution towards a peaceful, democraticand prosperous Afghanistan.

Statement at 5994th meeting, Tuesday, 14 October 2008, 10:15 a.m.(The situation in Afghanistan)

I wish to begin by joining previous speakers in thanking Mr. KaiEide, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan,

for his briefing and the Secretary-General for his report.In the past few months, the international community hasrecognized the increase in challenges to peace and stability inAfghanistan. Military measures remain critical to responding to thesecurity challenges. However, other steps will be needed in additionto a military approach.

The situation in Afghanistan must be managed with a strategythat incorporates not only security actions, but also the promotion ofgovernance and the rule of law, as well as socio-economicdevelopment. Indonesia therefore attaches primary importance to the


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Afghanistan National Development Strategy, which serves as a roadmap for comprehensive action over the next five years. We also attachgreat importance to making real progress in the implementation of theAction Plan on Peace, Reconciliation and Justice.

As the drug economy has helped sustain the activities ofinsurgents, continued efforts to circumvent that challenge are also

crucial. In that regard, we welcome the recent decrease in opiumcultivation and the decline in its production.Also critical to achieving sustainable peace in the country is an

Afghan-led reconciliation process. That effort must be inclusive andall parties involved must renounce violence, respect justice, equality,freedom and tolerance, and promote consultation. We recognize, inthat regard, the various recent initiatives undertaken by neighbouringcountries to assist the commencement of inter-Afghan dialogue andreconciliation. We are hopeful that those initiatives will achievetangible results.

The protection of civilians remains a critical issue in Afghanistan.As indicated in the Secretary-Generals report, a total of 1,445 civilianswere casualties in the first eight months of 2008. My delegation

therefore continues to underline the importance of compliance by allparties with international humanitarian and human rights law and theappropriate measures to ensure the protection of civilians. We alsocall on international forces in Afghanistan to take additional robustefforts to mitigate the risk of civilian casualties, in accordance with theSecurity Council resolution 1833 (2008).

My delegation is concerned over the humanitarian situation inAfghanistan. As pointed out in the Secretary-Generals report(S/2008/617), the intensifying conflict, exacerbated by naturaldisasters, has worsened the situation. In that regard, we attachparticular importance to expeditious resource mobilization inresponse to the impending crisis. Attacks on humanitarian workersand aid convoys are exceptionally deplorable. Such attacks willincrease the suffering of the population in need. My delegationtherefore urges that every step be taken to end such attacksimmediately and permanently.

With regard to Afghan refugees, Indonesia welcomes theforthcoming international conference on return and reintegration ofAfghan refugees. We are hopeful that the conference will mobilizesupport for the current return and reintegration of Afghan refugeesand internally displaced persons.

Partnerships with regional States as well as the internationalcommunity will remain key to sustainable peace and development inAfghanistan. President Karzais participation in the recent summits ofthe South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the

Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a welcome step. Most urgent atthe international level is the swift honouring of pledges made at theParis Conference. We welcome, in that regard, efforts to enhance thecoordination of donor efforts and to strengthen aid effectiveness.

With regard to the United Nations Assistance Mission inAfghanistan (UNAMA), my delegation believes that the Mission willremain pertinent in assisting the country to tackle various challengesto its security and development. We, however, feel concerned over theobstacles arising from the deteriorating security situation in thecountry that continue to hinder the implementation of its mandate.


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We welcome the ongoing preparation by UNAMA to open its newprovincial offices. We are hopeful that the expansion will help bringabout a political surge in the country, as envisioned by the Secretary-General in his report.

Finally, Indonesia wishes to reaffirm its full support for UNAMAand its work and contribution to a peaceful, democratic and

prosperous Afghanistan.

2. Irak

Statement at 5639th meeting, Thursday, 15 March 2007, 3:00 p.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

I would like to begin by extending the gratitude of my delegationto the Secretary-General for his report (S/2007/126). We are also verygrateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for

Iraq, Mr. Ashraf Qazi, for his tireless efforts in ensuring the effectivecontribution of the United Nations to peace and reconstruction in Iraq.My delegation would also like to welcome His Excellency Mr.

Adil Abdal Mahdi, Vice-President of Iraq, to this meeting.My delegation is very concerned about the continuing violence,

which results in human casualties on an almost daily basis and isovershadowing political and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. Thedeteriorating situation caused by that violence has affected, in aharmful way, the ability of many Iraqis to enjoy their basic rights. Inthis regard, we welcome Prime Minister Al-Malikis new plan to dealwith all armed groups, regardless of religious or political affiliations,combined with border reconciliation and economic measures. Despitemany challenges to the implementation of the new plan, mydelegation is hopeful that it will bring tangible results, not only inBaghdad, but also in the rest of Iraq.

Iraq is part of the family of nations. Thus, the internationalcommunity simply cannot stand idly by. We must do our utmost tohelp to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqis and to restore Iraqssovereignty, peace and stability.

Last year, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono put forward aproposal to promote the early resolution of conflict in Iraq, whichconsists of three elements: first, all-inclusive reconciliation amongIraqis, involving the current Government; secondly, the participationof the international community in reconstruction and rehabilitationefforts in the country; and, thirdly, the deployment of United Nations-

mandated peacekeeping forces in Iraq after the withdrawal of foreigntroops.As regards reconciliation among Iraqis, my delegation believes

that settling differences among all parties in the country is a matter ofurgency. The key to such reconciliation is genuine dialogue across andamong ethnic and religious groups. Dialogue will be robust whenmoderates are empowered and have more room and a greater capacityto set the agenda of Iraqi politics and to have a tangible impact on theprocess. Thus, we commend Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistanis fatwacalling for unity and coexistence based on mutual respect, as well as


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the formation of joint Sunni and Shiite committees in mixedneighbourhoods in the country. We are hopeful that more initiativesof that kind will proliferate, given their significance for theenhancement of confidence-building efforts.

For our part, my delegation is pleased to inform the Council that,in cooperation with the two largest Muslim organizations in

Indonesia, namely, Nahdhatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, aninternational conference among Islamic religious leaders forreconciliation in Iraq is to be convened in Indonesia from 2 to 3 April2007. The conference is expected to agree on concrete actions that willstrengthen the reconciliation process in Iraq.

With regard to reconstruction and rehabilitation, my delegationattaches great importance to the completion of those activities so thatthe Iraqi people can enjoy their social and economic rights to thefullest. Thus, we commend the hard work of the Iraqi Government toensure the realization of those rights.

Given current conditions, however, Iraq cannot do it alone.Support from the international community remains instrumental forbuilding the capacity of the Iraqi Government to meet various socio-

economic challenges. My delegation welcomed the launch of theInternational Compact for Iraq. We fully support the partnershipbetween the Government with Iraq and the United Nations in thepreparations for and the management of the Compact.

We are greatly concerned about the continuing violence andattacks aimed at destabilizing Iraq. There must be reasons for thecontinuation of such heinous actions, and we cannot ignore thepossibility that hostile forces in Iraq have emerged as a direct result ofthe prolonged presence of foreign forces in that country.

My delegation has always believed that a clear timetable for thewithdrawal of foreign forces must be urgently sought, based upon asovereign decision by Iraq, without creating a vacuum which couldput Iraq in a more difficult situation. Such a time-bound exit strategyshould, indeed, consider the requirements of sufficient capacity on thepart of the Iraqis, so that they can be self-reliant in terms of securityand economic development, and the existence of national unity basedon genuine political dialogue and all-inclusive national reconciliation.

In the meantime, considering the cross-border characteristics ofthe Iraqi conflict, my delegation believes that countries in the regioncan play an important role in contributing to the promotion of peaceand stability in Iraq and in preventing regional ramifications.

In that regard, we welcome the recent conference in Baghdad,which involved representatives from key countries in the region. Theconference was an opportunity for diverse perspectives toconstructively converge in support of the people and the Government

of Iraq in their exertions to achieve economic progress, as well asdurable peace and stability through national reconciliation.As regards the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq

(UNAMI), my delegation wishes to reaffirm its support for theMission. We fully support the development of UNAMIs operationalcapacity with a view to its becoming a self-reliant Mission. We alsoattach great significance to the continuation of a trust fund to supportthe operation of an entity that provides security for the UnitedNations presence in Iraq.


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As a final point, my delegation emphasizes the importance ofcollaboration among UNAMI, agencies and refugee-hosting countriesin addressing the Iraqi humanitarian issue. With 2 million Iraqirefugees in neighbouring countries and 1.9 million displaced insideIraq, UNAMI absolutely cannot address this issue alone. Partnershipis indispensable in that regard.

Statement at 5693rd meeting, Wednesday, 13 June 2007, 3:30 p.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

Let me join other delegations in welcoming the Foreign Ministerof Iraq to the Council and in thanking him for his presentation. Mydelegation is also grateful to the Special Representative of theSecretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Qazi, for his comprehensive briefing.

Iraq and the Iraqis, like other nations, have every right to live inpeace, without fear and in dignity. My delegation, therefore, is veryconcerned over the continuing political, sectarian and criminalviolence that deprives the Iraqis of these rights.

We note the pause in sectarian conflict after the introduction of asecurity plan, but it was so brief and so frivolous that a chance forsustainable peace could not be seized. Now, clashes among factionscontinue and hostilities occur on an almost daily basis.

Indonesia condemns all terrorist attacks. In this regard, weexpress our deep sympathy to the families of the victims of todaysattack in Sammara.

We welcome the commitment of the Iraqi Government to securityand stability as its highest priority, not only in Baghdad, but also inthe rest of the country. However, my delegation stresses the urgentneed for the protection of civilians and the strict observance ofinternational human rights and humanitarian law whenever securitymeasures are enacted upon.

Atrocities in Iraq cannot be fully responded to by a securityapproach. Those acts are rooted in the complexities with which theIraqis continue to grapple. In our view, a soft-power approach thatpromotes inclusiveness and respect for human rights andfundamental freedoms must also be sought. In this regard, Indonesiasupports the efforts of the Iraqi Government to engage leaders fromacross the political and religious spectrum to promote confidence-building through national dialogue and reconciliation.

In realizing its commitment to support Iraqi unity, on 3 and 4April 2007 Indonesia hosted the International Conference of IslamicLeaders for Reconciliation in Iraq. The Conference adopted adeclaration aimed at realizing inclusive reconciliation based on such

values as peace, justice and equality, freedom, tolerance, balance andconsultation.My delegation also underlines the significance of national

dialogue and recognizes the urgency of seeking reconciliation withinthe governing coalition. We support Prime Minister Al-Malikis effortsto promote the unity of government.

The humanitarian consequences of the continuing violence in Iraqare a matter of great concern to my delegation. We highly appreciatethe role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner forRefugees and other humanitarian actors in addressing the needs of the


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Iraqi internally displaced persons and refugees. We commend thegenerosity of the receiving countries. My delegation welcomes theconvening in Geneva in April 2007 of an international conference ondisplaced Iraqis. That was an important initiative in seeking collectivesolutions to the humanitarian challenges that affect the region as awhole.

Considering the magnitude of challenges that the Iraqis are facingnow, support and assistance from countries in the region and theinternational community remain critical. Only through theircontribution can Iraq fulfil its enormous human and economicpotential.

Indonesia welcomes the convening of the expanded ministerialconference of neighbouring countries of Iraq in Sharm el-Sheikh on 4May 2007. We look forward to the implementation of the threetechnical committees established at the conference on security,displaced Iraqis and energy supplies.

My delegation also attaches particular importance to theInternational Compact with Iraq, which marks a new partnershipbetween Iraq and the international community. We fully support the

role of the United Nations in helping Iraq achieve the goals of theCompact.With regard to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, we

continue to underline its importance in providing Iraq withconstitutional support activities, electoral assistance, human rightspromotion and development and humanitarian assistance. Wewelcome the intention of the Secretary-General to consider anexpanded role and presence of the United Nations in Iraq. Under thecurrent circumstances, in our view, there are at least three possibleways to enhance the role of the United Nations in Iraq. These are theflexible presence of more United Nations institutions in the country; agreater institutional foothold at United Nations Headquarters; andstronger United Nations support for Iraq in various internationalprocesses.

Iraq is experiencing a major transformation. We empathize withthe challenges with which the Iraqis are dealing in such a process. Atransformation of this magnitude cannot be done instantly andhastily. Indonesia reaffirms its full support for the Iraqis in theirpursuit of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and democratic Iraq.

Statement at 5710th meeting, Friday, 29 June 2007, 10:20 a.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

My delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution

(S/2007/390) before the Council on the termination of the mandates ofthe United Nations Monitoring, Verification and InspectionCommission (UNMOVIC) and of the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) in Iraq. The current disarmament situation in Iraq hasimproved compared to the time when UNMOVIC was established.We therefore believe that the continuation of the mandates ofUNMOVIC and the IAEA is no longer required. The closing of themandate constitutes a major step in recognizing that a chapter in thehistory of Iraq has been closed and reaffirms that the new Iraq iscommitted to its disarmament and non-proliferation obligations.


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My delegation believes that the expertise and experience gainedduring the many years of operation of UNMOVIC are invaluableassets to the international community. We hope they will not be lostand will remain available to an independent and multilateralverification system in the future. While we would have liked to see aprior technical assessment of the significance of the remaining

unresolved disarmament issues in Iraq before closure, we canunderstand the difficulty of verifying all remaining issues. We hopehowever, that the remaining unresolved disarmament issues willfinally be resolved and will not be beyond reach. In that regard, wenote the commitment of the Government of Iraq as indicated in itsconstitution to fulfil its obligations in the disarmament and non-proliferation field. We hope it takes the necessary steps to implementthat obligation, including early accession to the Chemical WeaponsConvention. We are hopeful that the implementation of Iraqsdisarmament commitment will contribute to the early establishmentof a zone free from weapons of mass destruction and their means ofdelivery in the Middle East.

Iraq is now experiencing a major transformation. Iraqis are

embracing a new statehood based on democracy, the rule of law andparticipatory development. It is not always easy for the Iraqis toproceed in this new direction, in particular when securitycircumstances remain grim in the country. We empathize with theIraqis, who face many challenges as they embark on that process.Hence, we believe that the conclusion of the mandates of UNMOVICand the IAEA in Iraq will provide an opportunity for the Iraqis toreallocate their resources in order to meet other urgent needs andpriorities of the country.

Finally, my delegation wishes to extend its appreciation toUNMOVIC and the IAEA for their dedicated professionalism andcontributions in the implementation of their mandates throughout theyears in Iraq.


My delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution(S/2007/390) before the Council on the termination of the mandates ofthe United Nations Monitoring, Verification and InspectionCommission (UNMOVIC) and of the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) in Iraq. The current disarmament situation in Iraq hasimproved compared to the time when UNMOVIC was established.We therefore believe that the continuation of the mandates of

UNMOVIC and the IAEA is no longer required. The closing of themandate constitutes a major step in recognizing that a chapter in thehistory of Iraq has been closed and reaffirms that the new Iraq iscommitted to its disarmament and non-proliferation obligations.

My delegation believes that the expertise and experience gainedduring the many years of operation of UNMOVIC are invaluableassets to the international community. We hope they will not be lostand will remain available to an independent and multilateralverification system in the future. While we would have liked to see aprior technical assessment of the significance of the remaining


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unresolved disarmament issues in Iraq before closure, we canunderstand the difficulty of verifying all remaining issues. We hopehowever, that the remaining unresolved disarmament issues willfinally be resolved and will not be beyond reach. In that regard, wenote the commitment of the Government of Iraq as indicated in itsconstitution to fulfil its obligations in the disarmament and non-

proliferation field. We hope it takes the necessary steps to implementthat obligation, including early accession to the Chemical WeaponsConvention. We are hopeful that the implementation of Iraqsdisarmament commitment will contribute to the early establishmentof a zone free from weapons of mass destruction and their means ofdelivery in the Middle East.

Iraq is now experiencing a major transformation. Iraqis areembracing a new statehood based on democracy, the rule of law andparticipatory development. It is not always easy for the Iraqis toproceed in this new direction, in particular when securitycircumstances remain grim in the country. We empathize with theIraqis, who face many challenges as they embark on that process.Hence, we believe that the conclusion of the mandates of UNMOVIC

and the IAEA in Iraq will provide an opportunity for the Iraqis toreallocate their resources in order to meet other urgent needs andpriorities of the country.

Finally, my delegation wishes to extend its appreciation toUNMOVIC and the IAEA for their dedicated professionalism andcontributions in the implementation of their mandates throughout theyears in Iraq.

Statement at 5763rd meeting, Friday, 19 October 2007, 10:25 a.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

I would like to join previous speakers in thanking Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Lynn Pascoe, for hiscomprehensive briefing.

My delegation also thanks the representative of the United States,who spoke on behalf of the Multinational Force.

Ongoing violence in Iraq continues to pose serious challenges tothe Government and people of Iraq in their efforts to achieve progressin reconstruction and nation-building. After years of hardship, theIraqi people deserve peace, stability and progress. Considering thesignificance of security and stability for making progress in thepolitical and socio-economic sectors, my delegation has little doubtthat the Government of Iraq recognizes the importance of enhancedefforts, in cooperation with international forces, to find viable solution

to the security concerns in the country.Since conflict in Iraq has been unfolding across ethnic, sectarianand political lines, Indonesia holds the view that responsibility forrestoring security and stability lies not only with the IraqiGovernment, but also with all factions in the country. In this regard,Indonesia welcomes the ceasefire by some factions that led to thedecrease in violence during September 2007.

The key to sustainable peace in Iraq is unity. Continued highlevels of displacement and political gridlock have reduced theopportunity for concord. My delegation therefore believes that the


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people of Iraq should stand side-by-side at all levels, set aside allethnic, religious and political differences and work together in orderto respond to the challenges that continue to confront the country.Genuine commitment by all factions to political dialogue andreconciliation is needed more now than ever.

The international community should leave no stone unturned in

promoting conditions conducive to such reconciliation. In that regard,my delegation commends the efforts of the Special Representative ofthe Secretary-General in maintaining contacts with political, religiousand tribal leaders to encourage an inclusive political process aimed atbolstering security improvements in Iraq.

The International Compact with Iraq, which is premised on areciprocal relationship between peacebuilding and economicprosperity, remains an important framework for internationalpartnership with Iraq. The Compact will require institutional supportin order to be effective. Accordingly, my delegation welcomes theestablishment of the Compact secretariat as an agency of theGovernment of Iraq operating with the support of the United Nationsto facilitate the implementation of the Compact.

The reaffirmation of support expressed by delegations in theSeptember high-level meeting on Iraq reflects the continuingsolidarity of the international community with Iraq. In our view, sucha reaffirmation should help to strengthen the commitment of Iraqis tothe goals of the Compact.

The continuing violence in Iraq has brought about serioushumanitarian consequences. It has caused not only displacement, butalso restriction of movement and limitation of access for humanitarianoperations. We are troubled by reports of the increase in the numberof Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. The condition facedby Iraqi children is also a source of particular concern.

With 4.2 million Iraqis being displaced, humanitarian assistancebecomes a daunting but essential task. In this regard, Indonesiawelcomes the launch of a joint appeal by a number of United Nationsspecialized agencies in September 2007 to address the urgent healthneeds of Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries.

Coordination is essential in implementing well-targetedhumanitarian aid for the Iraqi displaced persons and refugees.Accordingly, Indonesia believes that the United Nations can play akey role in supporting the Iraqi Government and host neighbouringcountries to coordinate their humanitarian activities.

Support from countries in the region remains instrumental inbuilding the capacity of the Iraqi Government to respond to variouschallenges. The continued implementation of the outcome of theSharm el-Sheikh conference, including its working groups, is of

paramount importance. We also attach great importance to the nextexpanded meeting of Iraqs neighbours to be convened in Turkey nextmonth.

International partnership and support are key for Iraq as it facesthe innumerable challenges ahead. The role and contribution of theUnited Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is particularlypertinent in helping the Iraqis achieve their goals. My delegationrecognizes the increasing responsibility of UNAMI as tasked bySecurity Council resolution 1770 (2007), which my delegation fullysupported. We, however, underline the importance to ensure a


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balance between the expansion of tasks and availability of adequateresources. This will eventually assure the success of the Mission.

While taking into account the security challenges, the deploymentof UNAMI to new areas will increase access for the Iraqis tointernational assistance. In this regard, my delegation welcomes thedispatch of a UNAMI team to explore the possibility of deploying

staff to a new location in Basra.Finally, I wish to reiterate Indonesias full support for UNAMIand its work in Iraq.

Statement at 5823rd meeting, Monday, 21 January 2008, 10:00 a.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

First of all, I would like to join previous speakers in thanking Mr.Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General forIraq, for his comprehensive briefing. My delegation also thanks thePermanent Representative of the United States for his statement onbehalf of the Multinational Force.

The people of Iraq, like those of other nations, have every right tolive in a secure and stable country. While remaining concerned overcontinued bomb attacks, Indonesia draws encouragement from signsof improvement in security, indicated by the steady decline in overallviolence across Iraq over the past few months. We commend theefforts of the Iraqi Government to promote security and stability. Wealso commend the ceasefire declaration by some parties in Iraq, whichhas also contributed to the decrease in violence in the country. Mydelegation believes that all parties concerned recognize theimportance of making additional efforts to achieve a permanentceasefire, which is essential to the realization of durable peace in thecountry.

Capable and well-equipped Iraqi army and internal security forcesare important for the realization of peace and stability in the country.We welcome the continued progress made in training, equipping andcapacity-building of the Iraqi security forces. We attach greatimportance to the day when the Iraqi forces assume full responsibilityfor the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq, which willeventually allow for the gradual withdrawal of the MultinationalForce, towards the end of its presence in Iraq.

Peace in Iraq also requires political stability, unity and consensus.Indonesia therefore underlines the need for all parties to set asidedifferences and promote dialogue in order to break the politicalimpasse. One way in which political consensus can be fostered is withregard to constitutional issues. While resolving such issues will not

guarantee a well-functioning political process in Iraq, their resolutionwill provide added stability and credibility for the Iraqi authorities aswell as positive momentum. They are ingredients that can ensuregreater efficacy of the political process in the long run.

Unity at the societal level is also key to achieving a durable peacein Iraq. Dialogue among religious, political and ethnic groups remainspertinent. The formation of the National Iraqi Gathering by a group ofSadrist activists, aimed at promoting tolerance and dialogue withother groups, is commendable.


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Given the Diwaniyah incident in October 2007, which involvedcompeting Shiite militias, intrareligious dialogue is no less importantthan interreligious dialogue in Iraq. In that regard, Indonesiawelcomes the signing of an agreement by the Supreme Iraqi IslamicCouncil and the Sadrist Trend to prevent further violence betweentheir supporters. We also welcome the convening of the first national

forum for Islamic scholars on 27 November 2007 and the cleric-ledinitiatives aimed at reducing tensions between Sunnis and Shiites.Developments in Iraq have been shaped not only by the dynamics

inside the country, but also by the situation in its regional andinternational milieus. Neighbouring States can play an important rolein creating a regional environment conducive to reconstruction effortsand the promotion of peace and stability in Iraq. In that regard, wewelcome the fourth annual meeting of interior ministers of Iraqsneighbouring States, held in Kuwait on 23 October 2007.

Indonesia supports an approach that promotes regionalcooperation on security issues with regard to Iraq. We are heartenedby the recent efforts of neighbouring countries to reach out for greaterinvolvement in regional stability, including the recent expanded

meeting of the foreign ministers of the neighbouring countries of Iraq,held in Istanbul on 2 and 3 November 2007, at which internal stability,border security and expanded cooperation processes were discussed.We also recognize the important role that Iran and Syria have playedin promoting cooperation with Iraq in areas such as economic andsecurity cooperation.

Cooperation with neighbouring countries is also essential inaddressing the humanitarian challenges of Iraqi refugees. The Officeof the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that2.2 million Iraqis have fled to neighbouring countries, with 44 per centof that number in Syria and Jordan and 9 per cent in other MiddleEastern countries.

My delegation continues to recognize the increasing responsibilityof the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), inaccordance with Security Council resolution 1770 (2007). Weunderline the importance of ensuring a balance between thisexpanded role and the availability of adequate resources. Indonesiatherefore supports the intention of the Secretary-General to closelyreview every aspect of UNAMIs work, in order to determine howprogress can be made in implementing the expanded mandate that itwas given in resolution 1770 (2007).

We support the engagement of UNAMI in discussions withrelevant authorities in Iraq in order to prevent the lapse of thedeadline set out in article 140 of the Iraqi constitution from causingfurther violence. We also support UNAMIs technical assistance to the

Government of Iraq to make progress in deciding the future of someof the disputed territories.Finally, I wish to reaffirm Indonesias full support for UNAMI and

its work in Iraq.


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Statement at 5878th meeting, Monday, 28 April 2008, 10:00 a.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

Let me begin by thanking, as previous speakers have done, theUnder-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Lynn Pascoe, for hisbriefing and the Secretary-General for his report.

My delegation also thanks the Permanent Representative of theUnited States for his statement on behalf of the Multinational Force inIraq.

We would also like to acknowledge and welcome the presence ofthe Permanent Representative of Iraq at todays meeting.

In the past few years, Iraq has achieved notable progress. Wewelcome the continuing work of the democratic institutions in thecountry and the International Monetary Funds projected grossdomestic product growth rate of 7 per cent in 2008. This achievementis, of course, attributable to the hard work of the people andGovernment of Iraq, as well as to the support of the internationalcommunity.

Yet, at the same time, serious challenges continue to cloud the

security situation and stability in Iraq. The recent spiral of violence invarious parts of Iraq, which has caused hundreds of fatalities andmore than 1,000 casualties, is a clear indication of the continuedimportance of national consensus and unity through political dialogueand reconciliation.

It is a reconciliation that upholds such values as peace, justice andequality, freedom, tolerance, balance, and consultation.

We welcome, in this regard, the continued efforts of theGovernment of Iraq in promoting dialogue and reconciliation. Theconvening of a national reconciliation conference in Baghdad on 18March 2008 was also a welcome step.

We recognize the reconciliation potential of a number oflegislative measures in Iraq. In this regard, we welcome the adoptionby the Council of Representatives of a package of laws on 13 February2008, which could help achieve a national consensus on the sharing ofpower and resources. We also attach great importance to theagreement on a hydrocarbon law, which in our view, is critical, notonly to national unity, but also to the prosperity of the people of Iraq.

In spite of an increase in the national capacity of Iraq, the need forregional support and international assistance will remain critical. We,therefore, welcomed the convening of the third expanded meeting ofneighbouring States of Iraq, held on 22 April 2008, in Kuwait and weare pleased about the upcoming high-level meeting of theInternational Compact for Iraq, to be held on 29 May in Stockholm,Sweden. The diplomatic initiatives of the Government of Iraq with a

view to strengthening ties with neighbouring countries are also awelcome step.Making Iraq a home for its own people is a daunting challenge.

Violence in Iraq has caused serious human displacement. More than 2million Iraqis have fled to neighbouring States, particularly Syria and Jordan. My delegation welcomes the intention of the Government ofIraq to develop a national strategy to address the question of Iraqiinternally displaced persons and refugees. We believe that a regionalpartnership could help Iraq to tackle this issue.


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In this regard, Indonesia welcomes the launching of a major fund-raising and public awareness campaign by the League of Arab States,in partnership with United Nations and other agencies, in Cairo inJanuary 2008.

My delegation is hopeful that the 2008 consolidated appeal forIraq, which was launched in Baghdad on 12 February 2008, will

receive wide response. The appeal is important for the financing ofboth humanitarian activities and reconstruction programmes in thecountry.

The role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq(UNAMI) will remain critical. We welcome the continued expansionof its activities in accordance with resolution 1770 (2007).

UNAMIs support for the Government of Iraq in promotingreconciliation is commendable. The extensive meetings betweenSpecial Representative Staffan de Mistura and various religious andpolitical leaders are an important part of the support.

We also welcome the engagement of UNAMI with the legislativebody of the country through its constitutional support activities andwith the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq through its

electoral assistance.Finally, my delegation wishes to reaffirm our support for theindependence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq aswell as for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs ofthe country.


At the outset, I would like to join other delegations in welcomingHis Excellency Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, Foreign Minister of Iraq, to theCouncil and in thanking him for his briefing on the currentdevelopments in his country.

My delegation also thanks Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Special Adviseron the International Compact with Iraq and Other Political Issues, forhis briefing on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Missionfor Iraq (UNAMI) and Mr. Warren Sach, the United NationsController, for his presentation on the status of the Development Fundfor Iraq (DFI) and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board(IAMB).

We also wish to thank the Permanent Representative of the UnitedStates for his statement on behalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq(MNF-I).

Like any other nation, Iraq is deserving of peace and stability. The

decline in the overall level of violence across Iraq in the past fewmonths is therefore a source of great satisfaction and a developmentwhich we welcome. The efforts by the Government of Iraq to addresssecurity challenges have yielded tangible results. Despite thisencouraging development, violence in Iraq continues and it remains achallenge for Iraq to achieve genuine sustainable peace.

In our view, the increasing capacity of the Iraqi security forces inensuring peace and stability is critical to the withdrawal of foreignforces. In this regard, we welcome the continued efforts by the


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Government of Iraq in making the Iraqi security forces better trained,better equipped and greater in number.

We also recognize that 2008 is a critical year in the partnershipbetween Iraq and MNF-I as the latters mandate was extended byresolution 1790 (2007) on 18 December 2007 on the basis of a finalrequest from the Government of Iraq.

We therefore believe that training and capacity-building should begiven a greater emphasis in the support and assistance of MNF-I forIraq. This will hopefully help Iraq to be more self-reliant in meeting itssecurity needs.

Atrocities in Iraq cannot be fully responded to by a securityapproach. An approach that promotes inclusiveness and respect forhuman rights and fundamental freedoms must also be sought. In thisregard, Indonesia supports the efforts by the Iraqi Government toengage leaders from across the political and religious spectrums topromote confidence-building through national dialogue andreconciliation.

Violence in Iraq has caused serious human displacement. Morethan 2 million Iraqis have fled to neighbouring States, particularly

Syria and Jordan; and 58 per cent of the internally displaced persons(IDPs) are under age 12, creating special issues involving theprotection of children.

The humanitarian crisis and the displacement that have beencaused can lead to further instability in Iraq and has created a newchallenge in the host countries. The development of a nationalstrategy to address the Iraqi IDPs and refugees by the Government ofIraq is an important step. Sufficient resources must be secured inorder to transform the strategy into reality.

The role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugeesand other humanitarian agencies remains critical in assisting theGovernment of Iraq and the host countries in dealing with the Iraqirefugees. The 2008 consolidated appeal, which was launched inBaghdad on 12 February 2008, is a commendable initiative for poolingthe financing for the humanitarian activities.

The IAMB remains an important body in the oversight of the useof resources of the DFI. Iraq is one of the richest countries in terms ofits natural resources. The work of the IAMB must help Iraq to ensurethat the Iraqi people benefit from the Fund.

With regard to UNAMI, we continue to underline its importancein providing Iraq with various types of assistance. Its electoralassistance will be particularly important as Iraq is now preparing forparliamentary and provincial elections. Collaboration betweenUNAMI and the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq isalso an important step in ensuring the credible conduct of the

elections.As a final point, in reaffirming our full support for the Iraqis intheir pursuit of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and democratic Iraq, mydelegation wishes to highlight three elements that we consider key incontributing to the early solution of conflict in Iraq. First, an all-inclusive reconciliation among the Iraqis involving the currentGovernment; secondly, the participation of the internationalcommunity in the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in thecountry and finally, with the consent of Iraq, the deployment of


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enhanced, mandated United Nations capacities and presence in thecountry, as foreign troops draw down.

Statement at 5949th meeting, Wednesday, 6 August 2008, 10:00 a.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your delegationon your assumption of your responsibilities as President of theSecurity Council for the month of August. I wish also to express ourprofound appreciation to Ambassador Le Luong Minh and thedelegation of Viet Nam for their able stewardship of the Councilswork in the past month.

I would like to join others in thanking the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Lynn Pascoe, for his comprehensivebriefing, Ambassador Wolff of the United States for his statement onbehalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq, and the PermanentRepresentative of Iraq for his important remarks.

The continued improvements in security across Iraq during the

past three months have given the country and its people a chance toachieve peace, stability and prosperity. My delegation recognizes thecontribution of combined political and military efforts to thatprogress.

Despite the positive developments, security in Iraq remainsfragile. The recent suicide bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk thatclaimed a considerable number of civilian casualties are a reminderthat investment in security is still of paramount importance. Werecognize the significance of the military efforts by the Iraqi SecurityForces in building peace and stability in Iraq. We welcome the factthat the Iraqi Security Forces are gaining confidence and capability,with an increasing number of units capable of leading operations.

My delegation continues to underline the importance of theprotection of civilians. As indicated in the Secretary-Generals report(S/2008/495), civilian casualties in Iraq have often been caused by thefailure of all parties to the conflict to make the distinction betweencombatants and civilians, as well as by disproportionate attacks oncivilian areas. My delegation therefore reaffirms that all parties shouldrespect international human rights and humanitarian law andcontinue to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection ofaffected civilians. We also share the concern of the Secretary-Generalover the psychosocial impact of violence and deprivation on millionsof Iraqi children. We recognize the need for greater efforts andresources to address that challenge.

Military initiative alone cannot offer a solution. Achieving

sustainable peace in Iraq will also require meaningful and inclusivepolitical dialogue and reconciliation across the various divides.Significant support from all segments of the Iraqi population is criticalto the achievement of long-term stability in the country. Mydelegation therefore believes that it is important for the people of Iraqto resort to peaceful means in settling disputes and to engage inpolitical dialogue and reconciliation. The reconciliation meeting inHelsinki on 29 April 2008, which involved 30 representatives fromIraqs main political and ethnic groups, was a welcome step.


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My delegation also recognizes the importance of the politicalprogress that Iraq has achieved to the stability of the country. Wewelcome some recent positive steps aimed at strengthening unitywithin the Iraqi Government. The upcoming provincial elections willbe an important stage in the democratic process in Iraq. We welcomethe role of the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq in that

regard. We also recognize the challenges that Iraq continues to face inthe early passage of its electoral law and in the constitutional reviewprocess. We welcome the commitment of the Government of Iraq tomaking progress in those efforts.

The current growing relations between Iraq and its neighbouringcountries are a laudable development. We welcome the convening inKuwait of the third expanded Ministerial Conference of theNeighbouring Countries of Iraq on 22 April 2008, as well as the firstannual review conference of the International Compact with Iraq inStockholm on 29 May 2008. We continue to attach primary importanceto the International Compact with Iraq, which serves as a newpartnership between Iraq and the international community inachieving the consolidation of peace and comprehensive

development.The continued presence of the United Nations Assistance Missionfor Iraq (UNAMI) and its contribution in Iraq remains pertinent andessential, considering the ongoing efforts of the Government and thepeople of Iraq towards economic development, embracing democracy,good governance and the rule of law, and promoting peace andstability.

UNAMIs role in supporting the secretariat of the InternationalCompact with Iraq in Baghdad and in the review of its management toincrease its effectiveness is commendable. Its assistance to theelectoral processes at the governorate level, its support forreconciliation efforts and its contribution to establishing a process toaddress disputed boundaries are also laudable. We recognize therequest of the Government of Iraq for UNAMI to continue its presenceand its work in Iraq. Mindful also of UNAMIs important contr ibutionto building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iraq, my delegation verymuch welcomes such a request.

Finally, my delegation wishes to reaffirm our support for theindependence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq andthe principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq.

Statement at 6016th meeting, Friday, 14 November 2008, 10:00 a.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

I would like to begin by joining previous speakers in thanking theSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Staffande Mistura, for his comprehensive briefing and the Secretary-Generalfor his report (S/2008/688). My delegation also thanks therepresentative of the United States for his statement on behalf of themultinational force in Iraq. We also greatly appreciate the informationprovided by the Permanent Representative of Iraq.

We are encouraged by the overall improvement in the securitysituation in Iraq. We believe that this accomplishment will provideIraq with the opportunity to make further progress in its political


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processes and economic development. It is critical that theencouraging achievement be maintained and strengthened. In thatregard, my delegation welcomes the continued efforts by theGovernment of Iraq to build the capacity of the Iraqi security forces.The recent transfer of security responsibilities from the multinationalforce to the Iraqi army in some governorates is a sign of the increased

capacity of the Iraqi security forces.My delegation also recognizes that, despite the improvement, Iraqcontinues to face serious security challenges. We believe thataddressing the persistence of security threats will require not onlymilitary measures but also the promotion of dialogue and nationalreconciliation across political, ethnic and sectarian lines. Peace andstability in Iraq could also be underpinned by tangible progress insocio-economic reconstruction, strong steps to bolster the humanrights protection system to guarantee the rights of Iraqi citizens andthe promotion of good governance and the rule of law.

Electoral democracy is an important part of political stability inIraq. My delegation, in that regard, is particularly encouraged by theadoption of the provincial election law in September 2008, which will

serve as the legal basis for the conduct of the forthcoming provincialelections in early 2009. We are hopeful that those elections willadvance political dialogue, establish representative provincialcouncils and empower community leaders to meet the needs of localcitizens in cooperation with the Government of Iraq.

In ensuring political stability and economic progress, Iraq willcontinue to require the support of countries in the region. In thatregard, we welcome the increasing cooperation between Iraq andother countries as well as institutions in the region. We are of the viewthat the sustained work of the working groups on Iraqi bordersecurity, refugees and energy could further enhance such cooperation.

We continue to attach primary importance to the InternationalCompact with Iraq, serving as a new partnership between Iraq and theinternational community in order to achieve peace, consolidation andcomprehensive development. We recognize the importance of theincreased presence of international agencies in Baghdad and at theprovincial level, in order to support various initiatives within theframework of the Compact. We therefore commend the UnitedNations agencies, such as the World Food Programme, the Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UnitedNations Development Programme and the World Health Organizationfor establishing a permanent presence in Iraq.

The humanitarian situation of the Iraqi refugees and internallydisplaced persons (IDPs) remains a matter of concern to mydelegation. International support aimed at meeting their urgent needs

remains critical. The United Nations Assistance Strategy for Iraqsigned in August 2008 by the United Nations and the Government ofIraq should provide a framework not only for enhancing economicdevelopment but also for mitigating the difficulties that Iraqi refugeesand IDPs continue to face. We welcome the fact that increasingnumbers of refugees and IDPs are returning to Iraq and the measurestaken by the Government of Iraq to facilitate their return.

We remain concerned over the continued incidence of civiliancasualties in Iraq. In that regard, my Government underlines theimportance of respect for international humanitarian and human


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rights law and for appropriate measures to ensure the protection ofcivilians.

Indonesia continues to attach primary importance to UNAMIsrole and contribution to the efforts of the Government of Iraq inreconstruction and development, conducting elections and promotinghuman rights, good governance and the rule of law. We commend

UNAMI for its continued support for the enhancement of relationsbetween Iraq and the countries of the region with a view to promotingan agenda of mutual collaboration and partnership.

Finally, in light of the fifth anniversary of the heinous terroristattack on the United Nations office in Baghdad in 2003, my delegationwould like to pay tribute to the staff members and others who becamethe victims of the heinous attack. Their dedication and sacrifices willalways be remembered.

Statement at 6060th meeting, Wednesday, 31 December 2008, 6:40 p.m.(The situation concerning Iraq)

My delegation is pleased to acknowledge the participation at thismeeting of His Excellency Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, Minister for ForeignAffairs of Iraq.

Indonesia voted in favour of resolution 1859 (2008), adoptedearlier, which extends, inter alia, the arrangements regarding theDevelopment Fund for Iraq (DFI) and the monitoring of the DFI bythe International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB). Asunderlined in the 7 December 2008 letter of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to the President of the Security Council, the DFI and the IAMBhave played an important role in assisting Iraq to ensure the use of theproceeds from Iraqs natural resources for the benefit of the Iraqipeople.

We welcome notable developments in various sectors, includingimprovements in security across Iraq in the past few months.

Despite those developments, we recognize that Iraq continues toface multifaceted challenges. We therefore believe that the continuedsupport of the international community will remain pertinent to theongoing efforts by the Government and the people of Iraq inovercoming those challenges.

Of prime importance to achieving peace, stability and sustainablesocio-economic progress in Iraq is inclusive political dialogue andreconciliation. Meaningful and inclusive political dialogue andreconciliation across political, ethnic and sectarian lines, as well assignificant support from all segments of the Iraqi population, arecritical to the achievement of long-term stability in the country.

We commend the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq for itssupport and assistance to the Government of Iraq in achievingprogress in various sectors, including the promotion of dialogue andreconciliation. My delegation also wishes to reaffirm once again oursupport for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorialintegrity of Iraq and the principle of non-interference in the internalaffairs of the country.

Before I conclude and with your kind permission, Sir, as thismay be the last occasion for my delegation to participate in a meeting


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of the Security Council before terminating its current membership Iwould like to share a few thoughts.

Foremost among those is our profound appreciation to theMember States of the Organization for entrusting Indonesia with theresponsibilities that come with membership in the Council. We havebeen humbled by their trust and have worked diligently at all times,

imbued with the awareness of the weight of that trust. In particular,my delegation has consistently worked hard to ensure that theconcerns of the wider membership are properly channelled in theCouncils deliberations.

My delegation also deeply appreciates the cooperation andcollegiality that mark the working environment within the Council.Above all, Indonesia has consistently believed that an effectiveCouncil is a united Council, one that is able to speak with one voiceand act as one. Building bridges has been our perennial concern andwill continue to guide our efforts beyond the Council.

Not least, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Secretariat fortheir professionalism and dedication. I cannot find appropriate wordsto express our thanks for the support rendered. With those words, I

wish the Council members all the best in their future endeavours.

3. Myanmar

Statement at 5777th meeting, Tuesday, 13 November 2007, 3:00 p.m.(The situation in Myanmar)

Allow me to first join the previous speakers in thanking Mr.Gambari for his briefing. We commend his efforts to engage theleadership of Myanmar in addressing the complex and multifacetedchallenges faced by the country.

The decisions by the Government of Myanmar to permit Mr.Gambaris visit earlier this month and to invite his return in fewweeks are encouraging. We also recognize the significance of thedecision by the Government to allow the visit by the SpecialRapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Mr.Pinheiro.

We welcome the appointment of Minister Aung Kyi as liaisonminister, his early contacts with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and thedecision by the Government of Myanmar to allow Daw Aung San SuuKyi to meet key members of her National League for DemocracyParty. We encourage the Government to further remove the

restrictions on Daw Aung Suu Kyi as part of the effort to createconditions conducive to dialogue and reconciliation.We equally welcome the readiness of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to

cooperate with the Government of Myanmar to make this process ofdialogue a success, as stated in her written statement, delivered byMr. Gambari on 8 November 2007.

All of those developments represent the good faith of both parties,which is indispensable for a meaningful substantive dialogue to takeplace. It is our firm view that all parties concerned should make best


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use of this momentum to move ahead with the process to promotenational reconciliation in an all-inclusive manner.

Indonesia appreciates the acknowledgement of the important roleof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in supportingthe good offices of the Secretary-General. In this regard, we wish torecall the statement of ASEAN Ministers of 27 September 2007, in

which the Ministers, inter alia, urged the authorities of Myanmar toresume national reconciliation with all parties, working towardspeaceful transition to democracy, and to release all political detainees,including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Indonesia and the United Nations Security Council, 2007-2008

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